LONG BLACKS TEE UP VISITS TO WALTON

Two Xtreme Drivers League superstars spent the afternoon in the heart of the Waikato connecting with members of Walton Golf Club, in the first of several engagements to promote the growing popularity of the newly recognised sport, Long Drive Golf. 

Guest speakers Phillis Meti and Paul West, New Zealand’s Long Blacks Team captains, talked about their experiences at international Long Drive competitions and revealed the secrets of their equipment, along with techniques used in executing a great shot.

Competitors in a Long Drive competition have three minutes in which to hit eight balls straight down the long, narrow grid.  Points accumulate for their longest shots in the qualifying rounds.  Finalists then compete against the clock once again, to hit the longest drive onto the grid.

Utilising their strength to create fast swing speed that delivers explosive, powerful energy is important, however, good timing with a smooth tempo is crucial for long distance drives, which aim to have good launch and low ball spin. Meti has recorded a clubhead speed of 127 mph and ball speed of 182mph.

Phillis Meti, is well known internationally, having risen to fame as three times Long Drive World Champion.  She first won the title at 19, the youngest ever to do so.  She is the current world Number One holding the record with a 414 yard (378 m) drive.  She was also the recipient of the MNZM in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list for her services in golf.

It’s not the first time Meti has been at Walton Golf course.  Several club members remember her as a teenager in a New Year’s Day Tournament when she teed off a par 4, startling a member mid-putt up on the green, as the 280 metre shot rolled up on him. 

In sharing their experiences, Meti and West hope to inspire and motivate others to take part in and learn more about this emerging sport which has a great future ahead. ‘Young aspiring golfers need to know there are many pathways in golf from scholarships to successful careers. We want the next generation to benefit from what we have learned.’

Accompanying the XDL champions were two key backers of the sport, Olna Ford, CEO and President of IGANZ and the Xtreme Drivers League, and JP Liebenberg, owner of Cavalier Homes Waikato and sponsor of the Xtreme Drivers League and New Zealand Long Blacks.  They presented the club with a Long Blacks uniform and a plaque acknowledging the new links established.

Xtreme Drivers League NZ is celebrating its 5th anniversary and are on the verge of several exciting developments, with planning underway to put golf simulators in six regions for virtual Long Drive competitions and the building of an Xtreme Drivers range facility that operates 24/7 for XD athletes.

Later in the year the Long Blacks will return to Walton Golf Club to demonstrate their skills and run a Long Drive event to uncover potential future champions in the Waikato area.